and so it ends...

As great as optimism is, it can't alone achieve a goal. 

142 days ago, in the throws of a beautiful Cleveland summer, I imparted this optimistic outlook: "I just joined the challenge...August 11. That means I need to hit 365 miles in 142 days...some quick math tells me that is 2.57 per day, everyday. Totally doable."

 I did not hit my goal. I whittled it down to just 150.49 miles to go, but still, I fell short. But as all good New Year's should be, it is a time for renewal and moving on. 2010 is done but my mile challenge will be renewed. As I embark on The Great Apple Quest of 2011, I will also try to hit my mile challenge the right way. All running, all year. 365 in 365. 

Bring it on.

And That's That

So another year ends, and with it another challenge. A tough year, with only 8 of 31 participants meeting the goal of 365 miles. I know some who weren't happy with their 2010 performance will be trying to redeem themselves in 2011 by putting in another attempt at 365 over the next 365. Good luck to them.

A special shout of kudos to Speedy and Mary who made a mad sprint at the end and hit goal. Way to power through the end, you two.

Thanks to all the fans and participants for a great year. Hope it was worthwhile and perhaps even a little fun. And in case anybody was wondering what's up for 2011, I've got an answer for you ... apples. 365 apples in 365 days. It's Apple Challenge 2011! You can find out more here: http://www.applechallenge2011.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there.

33 More Days

Seems as our milein' has pretty much started to fizzle. Other than a couple of participants, most have either hit their goal or given up. Those of you still trying to hit the goal in the next 33 days (Vicki, Mary, Carly and k.ry!), keep on going. As for the others, well perhaps we should start thinking about whether we want a challenge for 2011 or if we should take a year off.

Maybe back to food again like in the bacon-y glory days of 2008? Or perhaps something like this Free Fashion Challenge that some folks came up with? Personally I'm not sure that not buying any new clothes would be much of a challenge for me, but I'm sure for some this would be quite torturous.  Anyway, do some thinking.  2011 is creeping up on us.

Running for Health, Running for Life

One of the biggest, most publicized runs, the New York Marathon, was this past weekend. This marathon always attracts people far and wide and there are always famous folks or key 'celebrities' running. From  Jared the Subway fanatic to Edison Peña, the Chilean miner, there is always a person of interest (to someone, somewhere).

I find it fascinating that running can bring people together so splendidly. There are oodles of articles about running, focusing not only on the benefits but the pitfalls too. Perusing the headlines, I found this article in the NY Times: Running Voices, an interative tour of runners from all backgrounds, highlighting their motivations.

My motivation for being a sometimes runner is so I can enjoy the finer things in life (i.e. food and wine) without paying too dearly on my waistline.

Whatever your motivation I think it helps to learn about why people do it. What motivates someone to run 26.2 miles, often many times over? What motivates someone to just take that first step.

Here is Cleveland there are quite a few fun runs that bring people together. In November I am looking forward not only to the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day morning but also the Pigskin Classic that occurs the morning of the classic Ohio State vs. Univ. of Michigan football game.

My run today put me just over the 200 mile mark (202.71 to be exact) for the year. Not terrible considering I started in August but I still have a LONG way to go. I will use the motivation of my fellow runners to keep me on pace and help me achieve my goal.

What motivates you?

falling behind...

When I first began this challenge, I figured eh, this is easy. I will hit my mile quota in like two months – I bike everywhere and even run occasionally! Pretty sure I can’t blame this on lack of entering miles, I am just progressing slowly. At 141.1 miles I still have 223.9 to go.

No time like the present to get back on the bandwagon. I ran last night, 3 miles; it was perfect working out weather. Tonight, post work, I am going to head down the towpath towards Peninsula. With 84 days to go I need to hit 2.67 mi/day. I am still confident I will meet this challenge but I had better start focusing on my health (winter storage is upon us) and my miles during this beautiful Cleveland fall.

BOMF

Here's a pretty interesting story about how a pair of running shoes, some goals and a little bit of support can make a difference: Jogging Program Helps People Get Lives On Track Again It all goes beyond fitness.

To learn more about the woman who thought this all up, the folks who make the plan a reality and interesting details, check out backonmyfeet.org.

Sunday 5K

I went for a short run this afternoon.  The first in a long time.  It went OK, but despite all of the rowing and biking I've been doing, I'm definitely out of practice in the running department which sucks.

After today's two miles I still need to average 2.666 miles a day to hit the 365 mark. That's a lot of running but I guess you can't really have a Mile Challenge without the word Challenge so I'm going to see what I can do about getting there.

That said, I think I may do a 5K on Sunday despite my unprepared status. Any Clevelanders care to join?  Here are the details: St. Ignatius Run for Murph*

Perhaps I'll see you there.


*The Murph that this run honors is from this awful story: http://www.fox8.com/wjw-friends-devastated-by-atv-accident-txt,0,2214855.story   Sorry to be all depressing, but that's the reality. Look back to Homer. He'll cheer you up again. Oh, and all proceeds raised from the race will go towards a scholarship in Dan's name.